Women are bearing the brunt

Apr 14 2009 by Kevin Rowan, The Journal

WHILE women are currently bearing the worst impact of the recession, it has not gone unnoticed that it was the decisions of white men running our major financial institutions that appear largely responsible for the economic mess that we’re in.

It is acutely observed, too, that the politicians that seek to hold them to account are equally gender and race insensitive.

It is hard to confirm direct causal links between gender and such poor practice and decisions – as the Fawcett Society suggests, these choices are not purely testosterone-fuelled risk-taking habits compared to a more compassionate, risk averse “female way”.

It is clear, whenever you see these operators in action or analyse their practices, there is a modus operandi that suggests their very narrow and common white, public school, Oxbridge route into the world leaves them wide open to accusations of “institutionalised” behaviours, reinforced by an alarmingly similar group of peers unwilling and unable to challenge.

One of the appreciated arguments around stakeholder engagement suggests that a diverse range of experience and knowledge contributes towards better policy.

This is as true in the boardrooms of business as it is in Government, at any level. While we are making, albeit slow, progress in our political spheres – largely through women-only shortlists that are still opposed by incumbent male politicians – we remain a long, long way from any kind of diversity in UK business boardrooms.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission suggests it will be 73 years before there are equal numbers of women in the boardrooms of the FTSE 100 companies list, and until the year 2225 for all boardrooms.

This reflects the fact that the labour market today remains demonstrably unequal at all levels – one of the key characteristics that contribute to women bearing the biggest burden of this recession.

There are more women than ever in employment – around 13.5 million. However, women do not enjoy equal employment status to men. As well as enduring persistent unequal pay through discrimination and gender segregation, women are also much more likely to be in vulnerable occupations relative to men, either temporary or agency work or part-time employment.

But women are not earning “pin money”. Women’s earnings are more important than ever, representing an increasing share of household incomes, and the percentage of families headed by a lone mother has increased from 7% in 1971 to 22% today.

The impact of loss of income is dramatic, impacting directly and negatively on tackling child poverty, and undermining the Government’s targets here.

These factors are important in shaping the Government’s response to the recession. It should seek to promote and strengthen equality measures, increase efforts to stamp out discrimination and deliver a bold and determined package to end pay inequality, and increase real equality of opportunity, including bolstering flexible working.

It should certainly show some leadership and take on those unscrupulous employers who are using the recession as an excuse for discriminating against women and undermining equality and diversity.

Kevin Rowan, Regional Secretary, Northern TUC